Island Hospital has been named Malaysia’s first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital, a prestigious accolade recognising its high standards in care, safety, and patient experience for international patients. The announcement was made by Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, highlighting the hospital’s role in anchoring Malaysia’s global medical tourism growth.
The Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) programme, launched in 2022, aims to identify hospitals capable of boosting Malaysia’s medical tourism sector. Island Hospital emerged as the top performer among four finalists and is the sole representative from Penang. The programme is spearheaded by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) under the Ministry of Health, with support from the Malaysian Government.
Independent assessments by experts, including IQVIA and Joint Commission International (JCI), evaluated hospitals on clinical quality, patient safety, experience, innovation, and operational performance. This initiative is a key component of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025, which seeks to position the country as a leading healthcare travel destination.
Island Hospital, a private specialist facility, offers advanced care for complex medical and surgical needs, boasting over 120 specialist doctors in fields such as cardiology and oncology. The hospital’s recognition as a flagship institution underscores its commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to international patients. This accolade is expected to enhance Malaysia’s reputation in the global medical tourism market.
